Network layer control system: Consensus-based control, theoretical results and performance issues

In this chapter we formulate consensus-based algorithms operating at the network layer of the multilayer control system in Fig. 1.2. We first define the concept of bottleneck switches/router cooperation and then present a network queue fluid model of the heterogeneous sources accessing to multi-bottleneck network. Finally we formulate a consensus-based cooperative control law that: (i) stabilizes the network; (ii) balances the queue length at a specified set point value q0 , reducing packet loss and improving link utilization; (iii) guarantees max-min fair allocation. The control algorithm can be implemented by end-to-end and hop-by-hop communication mechanism respectively over wired and wireless networks